Business · Energy & Commodities · 1 hr ago
Karnataka finds excess ethanol in 11 of 14 petrol samples
Karnataka says 11 of 14 petrol samples had more than the 20% ethanol limit.
Tests found levels as high as 31.2% in fuel supplied by Indian Oil Corporation and 30.5% in fuel from Hindustan Petroleum.
E20 is petrol blended with 20% ethanol, a programme intended to reduce crude oil imports and vehicle emissions.
The state says motorists have reported lower mileage and higher costs, and notes that most of India’s vehicles are not designed for blends above 20%.
Karnataka estimates that reduced mileage and vehicle repairs could together cost consumers ₹1.01 lakh crore a year, though this is a potential national burden, not a measured bill.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara criticized the Union government over the findings and the costs to motorists.
Parameshwara called for an investigation, strict action and ethanol-content disclosure at every petrol pump.
Karnataka government tests found ethanol levels above the prescribed 20% limit in 11 of 14 petrol samples.
The highest readings were 31.2% in petrol supplied by Indian Oil Corporation and 30.5% in fuel supplied by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation.
Karnataka leaders said higher ethanol blends could reduce mileage, increase maintenance costs and burden consumers.
The State said the samples were collected across Karnataka and tested at accredited laboratories after oil-company labs did not disclose ethanol percentages.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara called for an investigation, action against those responsible and disclosure of ethanol content at petrol pumps.
- Who
- Karnataka government inspectors tested the samples; Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara criticized the Union government.
- What
- Tests found ethanol levels above the prescribed 20% limit in 11 of 14 petrol samples.
- When
- The findings were reported on November 6, 2026.
- Where
- Fuel samples were collected from stations across Karnataka, including Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru.
- Why
- The inspection followed motorists’ reports of lower mileage and higher expenses, and examined whether fuel met the prescribed ethanol limit.
Karnataka government leaders
BJP-led Union government
Ethanol limits
Karnataka government leaders
Shivakumar said the Union government should not ignore violations of E20 norms or blend more ethanol, which could burden consumers.
BJP-led Union government
Parameshwara said the Union government had imposed E20 petrol despite concerns about mileage, vehicle damage and compatibility with older vehicles.
Consumer and farmer impacts
Karnataka government leaders
Karnataka leaders said motorists faced reduced mileage, higher maintenance costs and possible vehicle damage.
BJP-led Union government
The Union government’s stated rationale for ethanol blending, as described in the article, was that it would benefit farmers; Parameshwara challenged that claim.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Samples above 20%
- 11 of 14 tested petrol samples
- Highest IOCL reading
- 31.2% ethanol
- Highest HPCL reading
- 30.5% ethanol
- Samples collected
- 63 across seven Karnataka districts
- Testing laboratory
- Shriram Research Institute, Bengaluru
7 sources
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‘E20 turned into 420’: Rahul Gandhi alleges petrol samples from Karnataka exceed 20% ethanol limit
Karnataka flags ethanol levels crossing the permissible 20% limit in petrol samples
What people are saying
Reduced mileage, potential vehicle damage and rising maintenance costs are concerns that deserve serious attention. It is unacceptable that consumers bear the cost while oil companies continue to report substantial profits
an immediate investigation, strict action against those responsible, transparent disclosure of ethanol content at every petrol pump and necessary safeguards for consumers
Where is the promised benefit to farmers? Where is the protection for motorists? Is this not deceiving both farmers and consumers?
Posts on X
The Modi Government has already forced E20 petrol on the people, despite serious concerns over reduced mileage, additional fuel expenses and compatibility with older vehicles. Now, what we have uncovered in Karnataka is even more alarming. Our Government's independent laboratory